Consultation on a CIHR Draft Policy on Access to Research Outputs

(2006-10-11) CIHR is developing a policy that aims to increase access to the results of CIHR supported research. CIHR believes that making research outputs available to a wider community will encourage greater use of research results, and will foster sharing and collaboration between health researchers in Canada and abroad. This policy aims to benefit the health of Canadians and others in many ways, particularly by ensuring that the best scientific evidence is available to those who need it. This policy is also a demonstration of CIHR's commitment to maximize the impact of public investments in research.

A survey was launched in April 2006 which covered key issues relating to the types of research materials and data that should be covered, as well as preferred methods for archiving research publications. CIHR received overwhelming support for encouraging greater accessibility to health research outputs. The many valuable comments and suggestions we received were useful in promoting discussions within CIHR and the Advisory Committee on Access to Research Outputs.

The Advisory Committee on Access to Research Outputs reviewed the findings of the survey and assisted CIHR in the preparation of a draft policy. The CIHR policy development process was also informed by the approaches taken by other research funding organizations including the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) and The Wellcome Trust, as well as the US National Institutes of Health (NIH).

CIHR has now initiated a second online consultation to provide an opportunity for researchers, stakeholders, and the public to comment on this Draft Policy on Access to Research Outputs.

Submission of Responses

The draft policy may be downloaded at the links below:

  • Draft policy on Access to CIHR-funded Research Outputs 
    [ HTML | PDF (100 KB) | Help ]
  • Research Outputs Table for Public Comment
    [ HTML | PDF (32 KB) | Help ] 

Comments or questions on the draft policy should be sent by e-mail to access@cihr-irsc.gc.ca or by mail to the address below.

Consultation on the Access to Research Outputs Policy
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
160 Elgin Street, 9th Floor
Address Locator 4809A
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0W9
Canada

The deadline to submit comments is November 24, 2006.

Following the public consultation period, comments will be synthesized and a general report will be published on CIHR's web site. Public feedback will be taken into account as CIHR moves forward in developing a final policy statement.